India: Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor hold a Charity event

Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor held an annual Charity Event  "Mini Fete", at 2 A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata in India on December 4.

Due to the Pandemic, the last two years the Congregation could not organize this charity event program.

The Mini fete is organized to collect funds to support Saint Joseph’s Home for the Aged, run by the Little Sisters of the poor, which houses around 120 elderly poor.

“We depend on the public to provide for the maintenance of the Home, as we
don’t have any other income. Their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and medicine are
taken care of with the donations we receive”, said Sister Ann Joachim, who was part of the organizing committee.

The Mini Fete was organized by the sisters with the support of a committee of volunteers. 
Many Schools, parishes and companies responded generously.

Derek O’Brien M.P. inaugurated the function and Father Dominic Savio SJ, the principal of St. Xavier’s College joined this program.

The colourfully decorated stalls with delicious food and games were arranged by benefactors and volunteers.

The handicraft work done by the residents was also exhibited. The white elephant, crockery and treasure Island stalls were always crowded.

The soft drink stall was a blessing after the singing by our well-known singers and the crowd dancing in tune with them.

Sister Ann thanked people for their help and support of the event and it was a great success. We thank all those who contributed generously either by donation or by giving voluntary service and participation.

The Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor was founded on a cold winter night in December 1839 when Jeanne Jugan, a 47-year-old French peasant, was moved by the plight of a dying old lady. Jugan carried the dying old lady home and cared for her.

Since that night, there have been more than 17,000 Little Sisters in 30 countries spread over 5 continents from the attic in St. Servan, Brittany, France to the four corners of the world. The Little Sisters care for the aged poor with love and respect regardless of race or religion.

The Little Sisters came to Asia in 1882. They began their work in Kolkata and later established a Home in Singapore in 1935.

The first Home was established on Derbyshire Road with 12 elderly folks. They provide housing, food, clothing and laundry, medical and related services. - Inputs from Bengali service.